Victory over the frackers!

One of the main fracking companies, Celtique Energie decided not to pursue planning applications at two sites in West Sussex, following the refusal of planning permissions for drilling at Fernhurst and Wisborough Green.

Commenting, Friends of the Earth South East Campaigner Brenda Pollack said:

I am absolutely delighted. This is a tremendous victory for common sense, and yet another blow to the Coalition’s short-sighed fracking plans. The withdrawal of their appeal at Wisborough Green was completely unexpected. It is wonderful news for local people in those villages and beyond who do not want dirty drilling affecting their communities.”

Celtique Energie, in a statement quietly posted on their website, cited the high costs of the appeal process, and the difficulties associated with drilling for oil in a national park, as the reasons for their withdrawal.

The Campaign Group ‘Frack Free Fernhurst’ said:

“This is a body-blow for the fracking industry as a whole, not just Celtique. The industry and the government are desperate to get fracking but have utterly failed to convince any community that fracking is acceptable or appropriate.”

However, it is not all good news. Celtique Energie have permission to drill at a site near Billingshurst and work has already started there with drilling expected any week.